Journey to Morocco and discover ancient cities, vast desert, high mountains, and a culture that transports you back to another time.

From medieval souks in Fez, to the awesome grandeur of the Sahara, to the lands of traditional Berber agriculturalists in the High Atlas Mountains, our exploration of exotic Morocco embraces the diversity of this ancient and fascinating land. Venture back to a slower time of mint tea in shaded courtyards, and experience a vibrant mix of Berber, Islamic, and colonial traditions. The call to prayer from Marrakesh’s minarets will reverberate in your soul as you learn, with our experienced Moroccan guides, what lies beneath the mystique that pervades each element of life here.

SAMPLE ITINERARY: Other private customized options are available.

Day 1: Casablanca to Rabat - This morning's sightseeing begins with an excursion around the port city of Casablanca, Morocco's largest city. Visit the Hassan II Grand Mosque, the tallest religious structure in the world, with a glass floor looking directly down over the ocean. Journey to the capital city of Rabat to visit the 12th-century Mauresque-style Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum.

Days 2-4: Meknes, Volubilis, Fez and the Middle Atlas Mountains - Recall the splendors of the past in Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco's imperial cities. Later, continue to Volubilis (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the largest and best preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Fez is one of the most complete medieval cities in the world. Explore its winding streets and stroll through the souks. Venture into the countryside on walks along the unspoiled trails of the Middle Atlas.

Day 5: Erfoud - We leave Fez and head into the pink sands of Sahara desert, stopping to visit fortified Berber villages before reaching Erfoud, one of the largest oases in Morocco.

Day 6: The Sahara Desert - Trading our minibus for a Land Rover, we drive past huge drifting expanses of sand dunes reaching over 150 feet. After a sunset camel trek, we are treated to a gourmet meal before retiring to our tented luxury camp.

Days 7-8: Ouarzazate - Founded by the French in the 1920s, Ouarzazate is nestled in what's called "the Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs," home to some of Morocco's finest examples of fortresses and citadels.

Days 9-12: Marrakesh and the High Atlas Mountains - we travel to the red-earthed walls and palm-lined streets of Marrakesh, a vibrant city that has a distinctly African air. At the heart of the city is the Djemaa El Fna. Like something out of a fairy tale, the square is filled with snake charmers, storytellers, and acrobats. We trade the craziness of the city, and escape to the countryside where we go hiking in the High Atlas mountains and visit with local Berbers.

• A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that is woven into every one of our journeys.
• Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand-crafted journeys have received accolades from the world’s most revered travel publications.
• Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider.
• Small groups. We tread softly, and our average group size is just 6-8 guests.
• Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both small-group departures and Private Collection trips, so that you can choose which works best for you.
• Customer service that goes the extra mile. There is no request that is too big – or too small – for our staff to handle.
• Sustainability. We are committed to traveling responsibly – striving to preserve traditions and cultures around the world, and to protect fragile natural habitats.

Most Convenient Airports:
For Arrival: Casablanca International Airport, Morocco (CMN)
For Departure: Marrakesh International Airport, Morocco (RAK)

Meeting Time and Place:
Upon your arrival in Casablanca; you will be met by your guide.

Departure Time and Place:
Upon the departure of your flight from Marrakesh; you will be provided a transfer to the airport.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Trip Rating
Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Imperial Cities & Desert Oases is rated 2, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The walks and hikes on this trip are easy to moderate day hikes, varying in length from 2-5 hours in with minimal vehicle support. A few days involve some long drives on narrow, winding roads.

Preparing for this Trip
It is important that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. The more well-prepared you are for the activities on this trip, the more you will enjoy yourself! Please engage in moderate aerobic activities (hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least 30-45 minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trip. If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability. Consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness programs.

Weather
Morocco enjoys a Mediterranean climate with the best times to visit being in the spring and fall. In springtime the sky is a deep blue, and spring flowers cover the landscape. Fall is one of the best times to see the desert and the southern half of the country. Regardless of when you go, rain is rare. Temperatures do drop quite significantly in the evenings, so make sure you pack a sweater for the cooler nights. In summer, temperatures soar into the hundreds, exacerbated by the chergui, a fiery desert wind out of the Sahara.

The following are average temperatures in Casablanca:

                        high   low

April:                 64°F  51°F
May:                 69°F  58°F
October:            72°F  60°F
November:         68°F  54°F

The following are average temperatures in Marrakesh:

                        high   low

April:                 72°F  50°F
May:                 80°F  57°F
October:            80°F  59°F
November:         72°F  60°F

You may obtain more detailed weather information on www.weatherbase.com.

When to Go
Morocco is generally delightful for walking and exploring in the spring and fall. The hottest and heaviest tourist months are July through August, and we have planned our scheduled departures accordingly to avoid these months. Our fall and spring dates will see clear skies and mild temperatures.

Overview:  Ten nights in some of Morocco’s most luxurious and authentic acommodations that evoke the countries vibrant history; one night spent in a traditional Sahara desert Camp.

Night 1: Villa Mandarine
Rabat, Morocco

Nestled in the heart of an orange grove, the Villa Mandarine marries comfort and hospitality. This rare place offers a peaceful hideaway that has kept the charm of an old family home.

Nights 2, 3 & 4: The Riad Fes
Fes, Morocco  

The Riad Fez is a Wonderful combination of Moroccan architecture and contemporary style, has a very stylish restaurant and lounge area, and is located in the most popular part of the medina, a few minutes away from the Blue Gate.        

Night 5: Hotel Chergui
Erfoud, Morocco

This new modern hotel provides a convenient location for our journey into the Sahara Desert. 
                   

 
Night 6: Kasbah Darkaoua Bedouin Camp
Sahara Desert, Morocco

Located near the dunes of Merzouga, this tented camp offers rustic accommodations that allow you to experience the brilliance of the Sahara. 

Nights 7 & 8: Le Berbere Palace
Ouarzazate, Morocco

A deluxe hotel resembling the kasbahs for which this area is famous offering many ammenities.

Nights 9, 10 & 11: Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa
Marrakesh, Morocco

Designed in a contemporary Andalusian style and situated in beautiful gardens, the Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa is in the heart of the most elegant part of town, and just a short walk from the Jema El Fna square.

SAMPLE ITINERARY: Other private customized options are available.

DAY 1
Arrival in Casablanca, Morocco.

Easy walking and vehicle touring.

Our tour begins in Casablanca, where you will be met at the airport upon arrival. Before leaving Casablanca we visit the extraordinary Hassan II Mosque - the third largest mosque in the world. This religious Moorish wonder towers over Casablanca’s coastal streets. Surprisingly, it sits above the Atlantic Ocean and features a glass floor suspended over sea baths.

Then it is on to Rabat, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, famed for his efforts in seeking Moroccan independence. Here, the former king rests with his two sons, beautifully entombed in Alaouite dynasty architecture - a place deeply symbolic in Moroccan history. We continue to explore the ancient city of Rabat, before finishing, the day with an evening’s meal of traditional Moroccan foods, and time to better acquaint ourselves with our fellow travelers.
La Tour Hassan, Rabat

DAY 2
Transfer to Fès via Meknes and Volubilis

Easy walking and vehicle touring.

Fès is our next destination. Unspoiled and typically Moroccan in style and feel, Fès is a former capital still rich with influence. Along the way we stop in Meknes, (both cities once capitals and known as Imperial Cities), taking time to visit the Bab Mansour Gateway. Sultan Moulay Ismail transformed Meknes in the late 17th century, when it was Morocco’s seat of power. We take time to study his mausoleum, granaries, and stables, delightfully preserved to this day.

Before arriving in Fès we stop at Volubilis. Settled by the Carthaginians and later the Romans, this finely preserved Roman colonial town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fès acts as our base for the next three nights - three nights we hope you will remember for a long time. Returning here from excursions and hikes, we enjoy evenings in a traditional Riad style hotel (a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden). Fès is a university town alive with culture, and also has UNESCO status. Perhaps the country’s cultural capital, it is a hybrid of Moor and French imperial architecture. Our hotel is in keeping with this, located in the old town near the ‘Blue Gate’.
The Riad Fes, Fes

DAY 3
Middle Atlas Mountains, Immouzer du Kandar and Aït Saleh

Easy to moderate hiking, 3-4 hours.

Today offers an interesting hiking excursion, just one hour’s drive south from Fès in the foothills of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Untypical of North African terrain, this region sports shaded and forested mountain paths on a route that starts from the town’s main square. Once booted up and with a small daypack and water, we climb away from the marketplace into the hills. After a 30-minute climb, we pause to enjoy the view and the Moroccan countryside below.

Our first hike takes us deeper, not just into the forest, but into Moroccan culture. Along the route we can expect to see semi-nomadic Berbers gathering firewood amidst the cork oak and giant cedars, and farmers preferring traditional tools to technology as they tend their crops of lentils, barley, and rye. Settling for a picnic, it’s perhaps time to enjoy a cup of mint tea, so favored in these parts and reputed for its digestive properties.

Upon our return we dine on traditional Moroccan dishes, washed down with a cool glass of local beer, or a fine regional wine, and a gentle evening of contemplation and friendly conversation.
The Riad Fes, Fes

DAY 4
Exploration of Fès

Easy walking and vehicle touring, 4-5 hours.

Having rested well from yesterday’s excursion into the Moroccan countryside, it’s time to discover more of Fès. Today’s route takes us to vantage points from where we can view the old town (medina), before continuing deep into the medieval city. Fès is prized for its madrasas, palaces, residences, fondouks, and mosques. While no longer a capital, Fès has developed its own authority as a place of study and of culture. After visiting the King’s palace, Fès el-Jedid, and the Jewish quarter, we take in the oldest section of the city, Fès el-Bali. We have lunch right in the middle of the old town, surrounded by color, chatter, and traditional bartering and commerce. With so many authentic items on sale, it could be time to pick up a special keepsake or two.
The Riad Fes, Fes

DAY 5
Fès to Erfoud

It’s transit day. But as its Morocco, there is still much to see. Our trip into the Sahara stops off at Bhalil, where there is yet another unique experience to be had. Surprisingly, just outside of the village there are several troglodyte caves, where people live to this day. We walk on cobble stone streets and visit these unique dwellings, giving us a glimpse of an existence forgotten by time.
Our destination today is one of the country’s largest oases, Erfoud. Here we have the opportunity to relax and recharge for our future excursions. You may wish to take a dip in the outdoor pool, before we gather for our evening meal.
Hotel Chergui, Erfoud

DAY 6
Erfoud to Merzouga

Easy walking, 1-2 hours; camel riding, 1.5 hours.

The Alaouite dynasty’s bid for control of Morocco in the 1660’s was launched from Rissani, our first stop today. Now far from the tourist route, we find ourselves deep in an authentic Moroccan experience, perched on the very edge of the Sahara. Having traveled by 4x4 to get here, we can wander with the help of a local expert guide, through its souks and draw deeply on the smell of fresh spices. As the final stop on caravan routes headed south, Rissani is a dusty trading post, oasis, and hub of local and authentic trade.

Next we’re off to follow the desert tracks to Merzouga. Nomadic traders have long ferried their goods across these dunes that rise 150 ft. and shift with the sands of time. Fittingly, we end the day on a sunset camel trek and witness the desert sun fall and set, just as the Bedouin have for thousands of years. Our day is complete with traditional food and music, and rest in a Bedouin camp. Tonight we sleep peacefully in the calm of the desert.
Kasbah Darkaoua Bedouin Camp, Sahara Desert

DAY 7
Merzouga to Ouarzazate; via the Todra Gorge

Easy walking and camel riding.

For the early birds there’s a sunrise camel ride through the surrounding dunes. Then it’s off to Ouarzazate (pronounced War-za- zat) our next destination - once favored by African traders en route to Morocco and Europe. Ouarzazate sits in the Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs and was established as a garrison by the French in the 1920’s. The route from Merzouga runs through the Todra Gorge, which narrows in places to just 15 yards, and climbs 1000 ft. on either side. Its shape, cut deep by a river, leads us to El Kelaâ M’Gouna, famed in legend and renowned for its cultivation of Persian roses.

Ouarzazate, our destination for the night, provides further examples of the kasbahs and ksours that Morocco is known for. With a full day of exploration and travel to get here, it’s time to rest at our beautiful hotel, and home for the next two nights.
Le Berbere Palace, Ouarzazate

DAY 8
Tissargate to Kasbah Aït Benhaddou

Easy to moderate hiking, 3-4 hours.

Morocco is a land of plenty, especially in the variety of foods it has to offer. This morning, a buffet breakfast will set you up for the day’s adventure. WE begin our day with a short drive to the town of Tissargate. Here we get our feet on the ground and seek out the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, home still to several families.

Taking lunch in full view of the kasbah, there’s time to marvel at the ingenuity of the dwellings, built here at the edges of the desert. Perched precariously on russet red rocks, the population relies on the rich valley floor and its life-giving water supply.

On return to Ouarzazate there’s time to shop in the souks and boutiques, or opt for further excursions. Our evening meal is a buffet on the hotel’s terrace.
Le Berbere Palace, Ouarzazate

DAY 9
Ouarzazate to Marrakesh

Easy walking and vehicle touring, 4-5 hours.

The Atlas Mountains separate the Sahara from the coast. Today we cross them en route, to the bustling town of Marrakesh. Having seen the finest examples of traditional Moroccan life, we head back to the bazaars, and are reminded of the variety of the Moroccan experience. Where other cities have a decidedly French influence, today you can expect a more African tone.

As part of the city’s medina, the Koutoubia minaret is almost 250 ft. tall and stands as a towering example of Islamic architecture. It was built in the late 12th century during the reign of Sultan Yacoub el Mansour, and takes its name from a book market originally sighted here - koutoub being the Arabic for book. Constructed in the late 19th century, but also spectacular, is the Bahia Palace. Devised by the architect Muhammad al-Mekki, it is home to stucco, carved, and tiled decorations that link to Spanish architecture.

After exploring these sites we settle at our evening’s hotel, ahead of a day’s hiking in the foothills of the Western High Atlas Mountains.
Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa, Marrakesh

DAY 10
Marrakesh to the High Atlas Mountains; Imlil to Sidi Chamharouch

Moderate hiking, 3-5 hours.

We leave in the morning for Imlil (5,742 ft.), our base for a great excursion. With the Toubkal Massif ahead of us, we walk through this area of outstanding national beauty, all the while marveling at the views. We pass Aroumd and the hamlets of Taourirt, Targa, and Imoula. Thanks to the expert knowledge of our guide, we follow mule paths, keeping to the traditional routes favored by traders and local people. Despite the rugged terrain, this part of the Atlas Mountains is fertile enough to support orchards, almond and walnut trees, and fields that the local farmers tend.

Our destination is a very special one today, the village of Sidi Chamharouch, which is built among the rocks of the valley and is home to a sacred shrine. Here the landscape is less fertile, and is dominated by rocks and boulders. The pre-Islamic site is found at the rear of the village; it is a place of reverence and pilgrimage.

Returning back through the valley, the beauty and fertility of the Toubkal National Park guide us to Imlil, before we return for one more night in Marrakesh.
Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa, Marrakesh

DAY 11
Marrakesh

Easy walking, 1-3 hours.

A day in Marrakesh helps conclude your trip. Having walked in the mountains and explored the authentic countryside of Morocco, it’s time to immerse ourselves at your own pace in the delights of the bazaar. The ‘Red City’ has an exotic feel and so many tempting eateries. You can indulge in shopping, eating, or just sit back with a cup of tea. It’s an intoxicating mix: there’s the old town and the Moroccan souks, the Bab Agnaou, one of the city’s stunning historic gates, and so much more. There’s a horse-drawn trip through the gardens of Marrakesh, Menera and Majorelle, and time just to contemplate.

A farewell dinner is set for the evening, but there’s always a chance for a last dip in the hotel pool before we set out for a final dinner in the enchanting city of Marrakesh.
Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa, Marrakesh

DAY 12
Departure from Marrakesh

After 11 days of exploration, hiking, camel riding, and desert sunsets, Boundless Journeys bids you farewell. A timely transfer to the International Airport and your flight home waits.

From $6,695 per person

2-3 guests: $7495 per person
4+ guests: $6695 per person

• Expert leadership
• All accommodations
• All meals except one dinner and five lunches included
• All transportation during the tour
• All activities as noted in the itinerary